OUR vision & MISSION
The vision of the Redemptorist Retreat Center is to provide a place of rest, renewal and contemplative reflection. The Center is open to all people seeking spiritual growth and maturity.
Our mission is to create, sponsor and host programs for spiritual seekers that present the opportunity for reconciliation and healing in a welcoming atmosphere, in order to foster spiritual growth and wholeness.
THE REDEMPtOrIST ORDER
We are a congregation of missionaries who preach the Gospel, to the poor and the most abandoned. We strive to imitate the virtues and examples of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. We are also dedicated to promoting the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The Redemptorists of the Denver Province, through their commitment to the vision and values of their founder, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, continue to maintain the Center so that the redeeming love of Jesus Christ may be abundantly proclaimed.
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in 1960 the Redemptorists purchased part of the former General Otto H. Falk estate on Crooked Lake for the purpose of having a permanent retreat center. Retreats started in the fall of 1961.
The estate was remodeled and the construction of a building with 58-rooms was completed to house retreatants. The first retreat in the new retreat center building was held on October 12, 1963. That weekend, 91 retreatants renewed their love for God. The center was dedicated in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
After so many years of preaching lay retreats in Oconomowoc, the Redemptorists continue to remain true to the spirit of Saint Alphonsus by this apostolate. In turn, a very large number of men and women over the years have searched and discovered a connection with God in this place of peace.
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Our Patron Saint is St. Alphonsus Liguori, C.Ss.R., a Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and the founder of the Redemptorist Congregation.
St. Alphonsus was born on September 27, 1696, at Marianella, near Naples, Italy. In 1723, he had a vision and was told to consecrate his life solely to God. On December 21, 1726, he was ordained and spent the next six years giving missions throughout Naples.
St. Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer on November 9, 1732. For thirteen years Alphonsus lived in Goths near Naples where he fed the poor, instructed families, reorganized the seminary and religious houses, and wrote.
St. Alphonsus died on August 1,1787, was beatified in 1816, and canonized in 1839. And in 1871, Alphonsus was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX.
His writings on moral, theological, and ascetic matters had great impact and have survived through the years, especially his Moral Theology and his Glories of Mary. He is the patron of confessors, moral theologians, and the lay apostolate.
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In 1866 Pope Pius IX entrusted the miraculous icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to the Redemptorists at St. Alphonsus Church in Rome because this was the location where this icon was first venerated before the church was destroyed.
The Pope told the Redemptorists “to make her known throughout the world,” thus establishing the church as a Shrine housing this treasure. Ever since, Our Mother of Perpetual Help has been the special protector of the Redemptorists, and they have strived to make her known throughout the world.
The Redemptorist Congregation of priest and brothers are the only religious order currently entrusted by the Holy See to protect and propagate a Marian religious work of art, the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
For more information, please visit the website devoted to Mary as Our Mother of Perpetual Help: www.maryprayforus.org
Image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The Redemptorists are the guardians and promoters of the icon, with the mission to spread devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, the Patron Saint of the Redemptorists
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
— Matthew 11:28
EXPLORE OUR OFFERINGS:
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Day-long Events
Pressed for time? Join us for our seasonal Days of Prayer or take the opportunity to truly unplug during our newest offering: 24 Hours of Peace & Quiet.
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Multi-day Retreats
Set aside time to rest in the Lord. Explore a deeper relationship with God while you rest, renew and reflect during our multi-day retreats for women, men, and couples.
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Zoom Events
Our live events offer the opportunity to connect with our Paster, Father Ted Lawson and to join others in fellowship as we pray together during live events on Zoom.
HOST YOUR GROUP RETREAT WITH US.
The Redemptorist Retreat Center has year-round availability for hosted groups of 15 - 55 people.
If you’re interested in hosting a group retreat with us, get in touch with the retreat team at 262-567-6900.
Hosted groups must have a minimum of 25 attendees.
Themes for hosted groups must be of a spiritual or religious nature.
Group retreats that meet the requirements are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Redemptorist Retreat Center does not advertise or promote hosted private group retreats. We do manage registrations and will share more about that process when you decide to book your retreat with us.
RETREAT
FREQUentlY ASKED Questions
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M on a retreat?
Our retreats are designed to offer a chance to rest, reflect and renew.
For nearly a century, the Redemptorist Retreat Center has provided a sacred space for prayer, healing, and spiritual wholeness. Guided by the values of our founder, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, we continue our mission to share Christ’s redemptive love through compassion and service.
Enjoy serene surroundings for spiritual connection:
Nestled amidst serene lakes, lush forests, and peaceful walking trails, our retreat center offers the perfect atmosphere to step away from the distractions of daily life. Sacred spaces like the Holy Redeemer Chapel, our walking labyrinth, and the Way of the Cross are thoughtfully designed to encourage prayerful reflection and a deeper connection with God.
what kinds of groups can usE the retreat center for hosting?
We welcome people and groups from all faiths and traditions that align with our mission of spiritual growth and renewal. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures every guest feels supported and valued during their stay.
We also make a special effort to reach out to and engage with individuals that may not have a formal faith practice but are looking for a spiritual haven.
At the Redemptorist Retreat Center, All are Welcome!
WHAT MEETING ROOMS AND SPACES ARE AVAIlable?
We offer flexible meeting spaces, with seven meeting rooms to suit gatherings both large and small, equipped with smart TVs and various seating arrangements:
Liguori Room: Seating for 80 with neutral setups, or 36 with tables.
Seelos and Donders Rooms: Intimate spaces suited for 12–15 guests.
Majella Room: Seating for up to 28, ideal for small spiritual workshops.
Neumann Room: Open space seating for 55 individuals.
Sarnell and Stangassenger Rooms: Conference-style rooms, perfect for smaller group planning sessions.
We also have a small lounge area on the second floor and a library with fireplace adjacent to the dining room on the first floor.
does the RETREAT center have wi-fi??
The retreat center has Wi-fi in common areas but does not offer wi-fi in guest rooms.
This is designed to foster and encourage rest and relaxation while attending your retreat.
We invite you to unplug and enjoy plentiful peace and quiet during your stay with us.
what are the room ACCOMMODATIONS like at the RETREAT center?
We offer simple and comfortable accommodations:
56 private guest rooms with the capacity to sleep up to 70 individuals.
Air-conditioned rooms with an ensuite bathroom with shower, linens, chair and desk.
One ADA-accessible room with twin beds is available for guests with mobility needs.
what are meals like at the RETREAT center? Can you accomodate special dietary needs?
Our dining amenities include:
Food and beverages tailored to your group’s preferences, with simple nourishing meals as well as snacks and refreshments.
Our beautiful dining room has a view to the surrounding woods and Crooked Lake.
You may discuss any special dietary needs with the retreat team as you plan your retreat.
what IS THERE TO DO AT THE RETREAT CENTER?
Take advantage of our sacred worship spaces:
Access to the Holy Redeemer Chapel for prayer, worship, or meditation.
Access to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, for prayer and meditation
Catholics or Catholic groups may request reconciliation, Mass, or spiritual services facilitated by our priests.
Outdoor amenities include the Way of the Cross, numerous walking trails, a walking labyrinth, and lush grounds for spiritual rejuvenation.
what SHOULD I BRING WHILE ON RETREAT?
Things to bring with you include comfortable walking shoes or boots if visiting in wintertime, essential medications, and personal care items.
Please note there is no wi-fi in guest rooms in order to foster an atmosphere of rest and renewal.
Outside food and beverage is not allowed.
Smoking inside of the retreat center is not allowed.